Why Did Jesus Die and Rise Again? | Why Did Jesus Die? | Week 4

Why Did Jesus Die and Rise Again? | Why Did Jesus Die? | Week 4
Pastor Dave Pretlove
Jesus died and rose again to take us back to Eden.

1. The story of Easter is the story of a new creation.

• Mark 1:1,10-13; John 20:11-15

2. The story of Easter means one day all things will be as originally intended:

• 1 Corinthians 15:3-4,20-26; Isaiah 11:6-9; Matthew 6:10

2a. Where Satan is powerless.

• Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8

2b. Without sin, selfishness, hurt, or injustice.

• 1 John 3:8; Romans 6:10

2c. Where sickness and death are never feared.

• 1 Corinthians 15:55-56; Hebrews 2:14-15

2d. Where God always feels close, like a perfect father and a best friend.

• Revelation 21:1-5

3. The story of Easter means I can begin experiencing all of these things now.

• 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Hebrews 2:14-18 NIV

“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”
Revelation 21:1-5 NIV

Easter is an invitation to live with joyful awe at God’s victory over death. We get to live out his resurrection life! This week, worship by focusing on and responding to God with joy. Participate in worshipful activities that bring you delight (taking a walk, having dinner with friends, working on a craft with your kids, gardening with your spouse). While going about your activities, actively thank God and express gratitude for his victory and his movement in your life.

Grab a couple of friends and spend some time in 1 John 3, specifically verses 4-10. Ask, pray, and journal about these questions:

• Who is speaking? Who is being talked about? 
• What keywords or phrases are being repeated? Compare “sin/know” and “love/abide”
• Why did John write what he did?
• How does sin affect us? How does God abide in us? 

I’ve been thinking about replacement a lot lately. What God removes from my life, he wants to replace. He doesn't just help remove sin and leave a gaping whole. If I'm confessing pride and asking him to remove pride, I think he wants to fill that void with humility, service, or compassion for others. If I'm confessing insecurity and asking the Lord to remove insecurity from my life, I believe he'll do it. But I also believe he wants to fill me with his confidence, his truth, and his vision for my life.

So as you continue to meditate on this week's sermon, don't just focus on the sin that God is forgiving and cleansing you from. Ask him: "God, what do you want to replace this with?" Tell him you want to be filled with what is good and right and of his presence. Don't just remove this week, but ask God to replace with the right things. 

Blessings,
Lydia Long